Kealan Blattner said winning Young Achiever of the Year was ‘a huge honour’. Photo: Shoalhaven City Council.
As nominations open for the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, winner of the 2024 Young Achiever of the Year title Kealan Blattner called receiving the honour a lifelong source of pride.
To be hosted by Shellharbour on 26 July, the annual awards are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations, or businesses in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas, and aim to celebrate the achievements and contributions of those who are making a significant difference.
It will be held following NAIDOC Week celebrations across the nation from 6-13 July, which this year marks 50 years of the week-long event.
Past winners of the awards have served as an inspirational role model or achieved something remarkable to help improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond, such as Kealan.
“Winning Young Achiever of the Year was a huge honour and something I will forever be proud of,” Kealan said.
“It felt great to be recognised for the hard work I have put into supporting our community.
“More than anything, it meant a lot to me and my family as I come from a strong family who have lived and worked in our community for many years and I am privileged to be able to carry their legacy.”
2024 Young Achiever of the Year Kealen Blattner (left) posing with his mum, aunties, and uncles. Photo: Shoalhaven City Council.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said this year’s NAIDOC theme was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, celebrating achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
“Please take the time to consider the many individuals and groups in our community doing incredible things, so these great people, organisations and businesses can be honoured properly,’’ Cr Homer said.
Award categories include Elder of the Year (Aunty and Uncle), Community Member of the Year, Young Achievers of the Year (two awards), Caring for Country and Culture, Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year, and Organisation of the Year (not-for-profit or business).
The award for Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal candidates.
Hosted last year by Shoalhaven City Council in front of 430 people, the regional NAIDOC Awards are organised collaboratively by local councils Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven.
As host this year, Shellharbour will stage the awards at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on 26 July, with ticket sales to be launched in early May.
Nominations can be made several ways: either by completing the form online, downloading and emailing a form, dropping off in person or mailing it to Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven or Wollongong councils.
Nominations for the NAIDOC Awards close at 11:55 pm on 16 March. View the complete nomination guide.
Loading ...
